covid-19 pandemic The bankruptcy of a major tour operator such as Thomas Cook three years ago put passengers’ rights under control and presence of gaps It is important in European legislation.
Community Management is now trying to close the gaps with new proposals to strengthen community management. regulations regarding passenger rights In the European Union, refunds are especially possible for those traveling by plane, bus or bus. For example, advance payment that agencies may request for combined travel This rate cannot exceed 25% and the total invoice for the trip will not be due before 28 days after it takes place..
“During the pandemic, consumers faced difficulties regarding mass cancellations or refunds of canceled package holidays from tour operators and travel agencies. “In this review of the Package Travel Directive, we drew conclusions from these shortcomings and decided to strengthen the protection of travellers,” the justice commissioner explained. Didier ReyndersDuring the presentation of the new offer package.
Brussels argues that the proposed changes strengthen and clarify passenger rights and the obligations and responsibilities of package travel agencies, which will always have to clearly report whether a combination of services constitutes a package trip. Offer puts advance payments from travelers in black and white Combined trips These rates will be capped at 25% unless agents face costs that justify a higher advance payment (for example, because they have to pay the full price of the ticket in advance to the airline). Additionally, organizers cannot request full payment until 28 days before the start of the package trip.
Offer to be negotiated now European Parliament and Council, also suggests accelerating the return of payments. Travelers will be entitled to a refund within 14 days, while package travel agencies, most of which are small and medium-sized companies, will be entitled to a refund from service providers within 7 days, according to Brussels. The regulations also clarify that in case of cancellation, passengers can choose between a refund or a voucher. If they choose the voucher, passengers will need to be informed in advance about its features, will be automatically refunded if not used before the end of the validity period, and will be under bankruptcy protection.
People with reduced mobility
“With these recommendations, we want to solve three main gaps. First, ensure that passengers are equally protected when booking their tickets through intermediaries. Second, extend protection to passengers who combine different modes of travel. Third, improving special assistance for disabled passengers,” explained the transport commissioner. Adina Valean.
For example, people with reduced mobility who switch from one mode of transport to another during their journey will be supported at the connection points by transporters and terminal operators if they travel under a single transport contract or travel via multimodal passenger transport nodes. Additionally, if the airline requires a disabled passenger or a person with reduced mobility to travel accompanied by someone because the airline requires assistance to comply with airline safety requirements (for example, to fasten the seat belt), the airline will be obliged to: transport the companion free of charge and, if possible will be placed next to the passenger he/she is providing assistance to. This right already exists when you travel by train, boat, bus or bus.
Self-regulation of hand luggage
For now, the European Commission is not involved in: organizing hand luggage allowed in the aircraft cabin. The Transport Commissioner is of the view that it is the industry itself that should first and foremost try to reach an agreement and agree on harmonized standards, without intervening in what Brussels calls the “micromanagement” of the industry. However, he does not rule out taking action if necessary. “I hope the industry will respond within a reasonable period of time,” Valean said.
“We reserve the right to set such a standard if nothing is done within a reasonable time, but I hope the industry will be able to do so soon.” must be transparent and Users must have all the information when purchasing tickets to clearly know the status of the luggage both in the cabin and in the aircraft baggage. Valean also reminded that there is a CJEU decision ruling that passengers should be able to carry a “reasonable amount of hand luggage” free of charge.